New or Used: What’s Your Best Option for a First Car?

When it comes time to buy a first car, many people are unsure about which type to choose, new or used. Both have their own specific benefits and drawbacks. Below you will find some helpful ideas to make the decision easier.

Used Cars Get a Bad Rep

When someone says they are going to get a used car, what image comes to mind? Years ago the image of a used car was one of a junker. A used car was something that would need constant repair. Fortunately that is no longer necessarily the case. Nowadays people lease cars for two or three years and then get a new car. That three-year-old car is technically a used car, but there is nothing wrong with it. In the old days people kept their car for 20 years and then sold it. Those were used cars that needed lots of work. Many people buy used cars or lease them. These cars are much cheaper than brand new cars, and if you choose to get a used car that has just come off of lease then it is only going to be a few years old.

Benefits of New Cars

A new car is always exciting. They have that amazing new car smell, and they will have almost none of the mechanical problems that you find in older cars. They also look really nice. There is nothing better than a nice shiny paint job. The downside of a new car is that it will cost you a lot more. You can expect to pay a lot more for a car that is just out of the factory.

Which One is the Best Choice For a First Car?

The best option for a first car would be a used car that is only three or four years old. You can visit a brand name dealership and see their inventory. You could lease a three-year-old pre-owned name brand car at a dealership for less than two hundred a month. These cars have low mileage and are much cheaper than buying a brand new car. One of the best ways to get a good used car is to visit a dealership. This is a better method than contacting a private seller. The dealership will have an inventory of quality used cars. You will not have to wade through old junk cars that are not safe.

For your first car, it’s always a good idea to go a bit newer if possible to save on those inevitable repairs. Used cars will get you a good investment for a lot less and will help to set you up with a reasonable monthly payment.

“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works in her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. After graduating form the University of New Mexico she has enjoyed writing and researching articles when she isn’t outside running or biking. Premier Mazda was a great resource for writing this article. Contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”